Required to be idle for seven to 10 days after suffering a lacerated spleen in the preseason opener Aug. 13, the Cowboys' seven-time Pro Bowl tight end did his first rehabilitation work in practice Monday.

Witten will be examined by a doctor today. His status for the opener Sept. 5 at the Giants is unknown.

In other injury news:

Center Phil Costa practiced for the first time since he hurt his back Aug. 10, but coach Jason Garrett said his status for Wednesday's preseason finale against Miami remains unknown.

Receiver Miles Austin and linebacker DeMarcus Ware remain sidelined with hamstring injuries but are expected to play in the opener.

Receiver Dez Bryant is doing rehab work after missing Saturday night's preseason win over St. Louis with knee tendinitis. He's expected to be ready for the opener.

Garrett said nose tackle Jay Ratliff has a chance to possibly play in the opener. Ratliff suffered a high ankle sprain in Saturday's game. He didn't practice Monday and likely won't play Wednesday.

“He's a tough guy ... and he's made progress since the game,” Garrett said. “We'll see how he is as we start preparing for the Giants.”

Roster moves: The Cowboys made 12 moves, including nine cuts, to trim their roster to the league-mandated 75 players. The most notable player cut was receiver Raymond Radway, who lost out on a 2011 roster spot after breaking a leg in the preseason finale.

“I believe he can play in this league,” Garrett said. “When he came back, you have to start with a clean slate. Over the course of the offseason and through camp, we just felt like some of the other guys were ahead of him.”